HSRC on the Radio: Rockland Lake with Robert Maher

Tune in to the next “Crossroads of Rockland History,”

Monday, March 16, 10:10 am,

for an interesting and informative exploration of Rockland Lake with special guest Robert Maher.

The commercial history of Rockland Lake dates back to the 18th century, when the area was known as Slaughter Landing because of the natural ravine in the Palisades just north of Verdriegete Hoek, the name the Dutch gave to Hook Mountain. The Hook was known as the “Troublesome Point,” where a hotel and ferry landing to Tarrytown stood from the time of the Revolution until the 1900s.

During the 19th century ice was harvested from the pristine waters of Rockland Lake and rock was quarried from the cliffs overlooking the Hudson River.

Later, the lake became a popular resort area and amusement park attracting people from New York City by steamboat and train. In the 20th century, with the invention of refrigeration, the ice industry collapsed and preservation of the Palisades cliffs began. The state acquired most of the property and created Rockland Lake State Park as we know it today.

Robert Maher is the president and co-founder of the Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, Inc., an organization established to support the preservation of the cultural, historical, and environmental resources of Rockland Lake, Hook Mountain, and Nyack Beach state parks. Maher is also the author of Rockland Lake (Arcadia Images of America series). He lives in his family home at Rockland Lake.

“Crossroads of Rockland History,” a program of the Historical Society of Rockland County, airs on the third Monday of each month at 10:10 am on WRCR radio 1300 AM (live streaming at www.WRCR.com). Join host Clare Sheridan as we explore, celebrate, and learn about our local history, with different topics and guest speakers every month.

To learn more about the book, Rockland Lake, click here: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738574813/Rockland-Lake-Hook-Mountain-and-Nyack-Beach.

To learn more about Friends of Rockland Lake and Hook Mountain, click here: http://www.rocklandlakeandhookmt.org.